14 DAY TRIAL // It appears that the USB Implementers Forum is just as busy as ever with testing and approving SuperSpeed devices, and it looks like CeBIT 2011 became the place where the USB-IF's further plans were made known.
As end-users know, the SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface standard has been getting more and more popular.
In fact, even with the launch of Intel's Thunderbolt (Light peak), which AMD is not so impressed with, USB 3.0 is still expected to go strong.
Tat said, the USB Implementers Forum spoke up during CeBIT 2011, in Hannover, Germany, about their progress in certifying storage units and their new plans.
“The industry ramp of SuperSpeed USB products achieving certification has been phenomenal,” said Jeff Ravencraft, President & COO, USB-IF.
“We have seen the number of certified products quadruple since CeBIT 2010 and the certification workshops and labs continue to fill up with products from around the globe. This is a testament to the consumer and manufacturer enthusiasm behind the technology.”
According to their formal announcement, USB-IF will set up a Cable and Connector Certification Program.
Once a company gets its cables and connectors certified, it may license the right to use the SuperSpeed logo so long as a written signed logo license agreement is made.
As for actual hardware, the forum said that 200 storage devices had been certified so far, like ASUS' O!Play HD2 and Imation's USB flash drive.
"The combined benefits of data transfer rate up to 10x faster than Hi-Speed USB, low power consumption and ease of use are helping drive SuperSpeed USB adoption by an increasing number and variety of devices," said Shane Rau, IDC's research director of computing semiconductors.
"IDC believes that adoption of SuperSpeed USB will accelerate in the second half of 2012, and we forecast that approximately 80 percent of mobile PCs will ship with SuperSpeed USB in 2013, with roughly equal penetration in commercial and consumer mobile PCs."